This blog is to help local photographers find events that are photogenic, a possible opportunity to get the camera out and get a few great shots. If you know of upcoming events in Southern California, Email them to cowtech@earthlink.net

Monday, July 28, 2014

August 2014 So Cal Photo Opps

Through Aug 3 - Vans US Open of Surfing - Huntington Beach
It's going on right now, all week. Surfing championships on the South side of the pier. You can get great pics with a 300-400mm lens. I was their Sunday and while the waves were not big, the pros really put on a great show. Check schedule as some days they have skate boarding and BMX. http://www.vansusopenofsurfing.com/

Through- Sept 3 - Horse Racing - Del MarDel Mar racing season is through Sept 7th closing day. Gates open at Noon and first race is usually 2 PM. Closed Mondays and Thursdays. 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd. I've never photographed at this racetrack so I can't give you any tips. http://www.dmtc.com/season/

Through Sept. 1 - Butterfly Pavilion - Los Angeles

More than 50 species of butterflies in a landscaped enclosure on the museum's South Lawn. Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County. http://www.nhm.org/ 900 Exposition Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90007 10AM-5PM, they give you a timed ticket that limits the amount of time you can spend in the enclosure.

Aug.9 - Dog Days of Summer -Cardiff-by-the-Sea
Canine event with fore than 250 vendors, dog contests, music and food. 10am-5pm Aberdeen Drive and Newcastle Ave. www.cardiffdogdaysofsummer.com New this year, Blessing of the Dogs.

Aug 16-17 - World Bodysurfing Championships - OceansideBodysurfers from around the world compete in different divisions for trophies and prizes. Oceanside Pier. http://www.worldbodysurfing.org/

Aug 16-17 - Woodies At The Beach - Santa BarbaraThe President of the Santa Barbara Woodie Club, Bill Sampson, invites you to join us at the 13th Annual - Woodies at the Beach! It’s a great show located at one of the most beautiful venues on the California coast, with Woodies displayed on a large grassy knoll overlooking the blue Pacific Ocean. The views just don’t get any better than this! Special parking area on the lawn for all other cars of interest, no moderns please. phone 805-683-5141 Event at Santa Barbara City College, 721 Cliff Dr. 9AM-3PM www.santacruzwoodies.com

Aug 16 - Uptown Whittier Car Show - WhittierThe Whittier Uptown Association will present a Car Show Extravaganza. More Cars, More Vendors and More Fun! The 14th Annual Uptown Whittier Car Show will exhibit over 600 cars from muscle cars, hot rods, customs, antiques, and restored classics. 1976 and older. Trophies will be awarded to each 1st place category. The Car Show will be held Saturday, August 16th, 2014, in Historic Uptown Whittier, along Greenleaf Ave. and Philadelphia St., beginning from 9:00am to 4:00pm. Bring the whole family for a full day of fun in the picturesque Uptown Whittier. http://www.whittieruptown.com/

Aug 16-17 - Tehachapi Mountain Festival and Rodeo - TehachapiTehachapi Mountain Festival® has been providing quality family entertainment for the community for 48 years. Traditionally held on the third weekend in August, it is the largest family event within the community and includes fun for the entire family. The Festival includes an arts and crafts show, food, entertainment, carnival, 5K & 10K run, Mountain Festival Parade, car show, PRCA rodeo, pet parade, Gem & Mineral show, Quilt Show, VFW dinner and dance, pancake breakfast and much more. An estimated 30,000 to 40,000 attend, with the attendance growing each year. Get out of the heat and join us for some good family fun. Philip Marx Central Park, 311 East D St. http://www.tehachapimountainfestival.com/

Aug 23-24 - Rancho Mission Viejo Rodeo - San Juan Capistrano The rodeo will take place at the Oaks Blenheim Rancho Mission Viejo Riding Park, located at the intersection of Ortega Highway and Antonio Parkway/La Pata on the western border of the Rancho Mission Viejo in South Orange County. The Rancho Mission Viejo Rodeo is good old entertainment for the entire family, not to mention the richest 2-day rodeo in the nation with a purse totaling over $200,000. The top 30 rodeo contestants in saddle bronc and bareback riding, tie-down roping, steer wrestling, bull riding and team roping will come to San Juan Capistrano for this chance of a lifetime. Gates open at 2PM Sat, rodeo starts at 4PM and gates open at 11:30 AM on Sunday, rodeo starts at 1:30 PM. While I have not photographed at this rodeo, I have heard it is a good one. http://www.rmvrodeo.com/

Aug 22-23 - Mountain Man Days at La Purisma Mission - LompocIt's 1822 at the mission as costumed docents and staff portray life of the mission during that era. Time: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Location: Highway 246 near Lompoc. http://www.lapurisimamission.org/

Aug 23-24 - Wings Over Camarillo - CamarilloAn expanded Air Show flight demonstration features many popular aerobatic routines with 60-70 aircraft; including vintage planes, experimental, and WWII fighter, bombers and transports. The Air Show features public access to the planes, pilots, and crews. Come for the day to watch and walk among the planes; take photos and ask questions of the pilots and air show volunteers.Be part of the classics of aviation! See restored aircraft from the 1940's, 1950's and 1960's flying while you can. You may not get another chance! These airplanes are what inspired young people decades ago to get into aviation and aerospace in Southern California. What you'll see at our air show contributed to the evolution of propeller aviation into the jet age.Kids under 12 are free. Shows start at noon9AM-5PM Camarillo Airport, 555 Airport Way. $15 at Gate admission free parking. http://www.wingsovercamarillo.com/

Aug 23 - Cruise Aboard the Lane Victory, WWII Ship - San Pedro The Lane Victory is a WWII Merchant Marine Ship built in 1945 and docked at San Pedro. Normally a museum, it sails out to Catalina Island and back several times a year. I did this cruise several years ago and had a blast. Lunch is served along with drinks. WWII entertainment and reeanactors on board, German spy is captured and the ship will be attacked by WWII German aircraft on the way back and saved by the US planes. Lots to photograph and a fun day. Located at Pier 94 in San Pedro. LA Fire Boats greet the ship on the way into port--blowing water. http://www.lanevictory.com/ Boarding time 7 AM, return about 4:00 PM

Welcome to SoCal Photo Opps

Most all avid photographers are always looking for places to go to get new and good pictures. I have put together this blog to try and get the word out of upcoming events. Having been a member of many camera clubs over the years I know how it is, looking for someplace to photograph at the last moment.

This Blog is intended to list events of a photographic nature. It is not for listing classes, training or commercial ventures.

If you know of a good photographic event, you can share it with others by Emailing me at cowtech@earthlink.net

The Fine Print

SoCal Photo Opps is a place for photographers to find events in the area that might be photogenic and be worthy hauling out the camera.

Information posted on SoCal Photo Opps is gathered from personal observations, venue websites, web searches and information provided by other photographers. While every effort has been made to verify the accuracy of the information posted here, the operaters can not be held responsible for errors in dates and times posted.